Forbidden substance in Germany fan make-up

Caution: fan make-up for WM may contain hazardous substances

06/27/2014

The Consumer Protection Ministry of Baden-Württemberg warns of fan make-up. In some make-up pencils therefore harmful substances have been discovered. This resulted in a study of a total of 14 fan make-up products for compliance with European cosmetics law. The shocking result: All samples were objected.

Fan make-up with possibly carcinogenic dye
For many football fans, fan make-up is just as much a part of the World Cup as the black-red-gold shawl. However, as the Ministry of Consumer Protection recently announced, Germany's colors on the face and on the body are not entirely harmless to health. In nine of the 14 samples of Fan make-up examined, among others, the banned dye Lackrot (CI 15585) was discovered, which is suspected of being carcinogenic. However, for legal reasons, the Ministry may not publish a list of manufacturers to discourage consumers of certain make-up products.

Dermatologist Hans Georg duration gave but to the news agency „dpa“ clear: „If you put on make-up for a few hours every two years with ingredients that are not allowed, it's almost certain that nothing will happen. "The Department of Consumer Protection announces: „The dye can not be ruled out to be carcinogenic to humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, there is insufficient data to classify it as a carcinogen. In a way, the situation is similar to smoking, in which case the increased risk of cancer has even been proven.“

Stressed fan make-up difficult to distinguish from quality make-up
Kerstin Etzenbach-Effers from the consumer center of North Rhine-Westphalia points out that questionable products are difficult to identify for the consumer. „Many color pigments are indicated with coded numbers, the color idex (CI), in the list of ingredients. For laymen, this is not to be overlooked, "the expert told the news agency, however, the prohibited dye is not declared anyway, writes the Ministry., However, most of the affected products are promotional products, which come mainly from China. „If the ingredients are good and clearly stated, this is a quality feature. The more transparent the manufacturer, the better, "reports Etzenbach-Effers.

The Expert's Advice: Instead of using fan makeup normal or theatrical make-up. It is also available in the desired colors, such as a black kohl pencil, a red lipstick and golden glitter. „As a tip from the dermatologist: Always look first, if there are make-up in these colors, "recommends Dauer. „It has been tested, it is safe, there are no harmful substances in it and it is generally kind to the skin. "

Help for irritated skin by fan make-up
If the makeup has been applied to the face for several hours, the skin often reacts with irritation. Red spots and itching can be the result. If you want to prevent it in advance, protect your skin with a well-tolerated face cream and then apply the fan make-up. After the World Cup match, the color should be quickly removed thoroughly and never left overnight on the skin.

For allergy sufferers, it is important to be extra careful. Etzenbach-Effers advises to test the fan make-up already three days before the actual event on a small point in the crook of the arm, as allergic reactions can occur with a time delay. If an allergy becomes noticeable, then it affects only one place on the arm and not the whole face. In case of itching, burning, tension and skin redness, the make-up should be removed immediately. Normally, the symptoms of allergies disappear after one to two hours. If complaints persist, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

It is also important to note the expiration date of the fan make-up. For a rancid, musty odor, it should not be used any longer.

Asked whether the make-up tested positive for the banned dye is still on the market, the Ministry of Consumption announces: „The competent authorities in Baden-Württemberg have withdrawn the goods from the affected retail store and informed the authorities responsible for the manufacturer / importer. The manufacturers / importers must remove the non-marketable goods from the market. The authorities are in the process of checking the sales lists and, in the next step, checking that the redemption has taken place properly.“